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During the great age of exploration, the "longitude problem" was the gravest of scientific challenges. Without the ability to determine longitude, sailors and their ships were lost at sea as soon as they lost sight of land. In 1714, desperate for a solution, England's Parliament offered 20,000 pounds (the equivalent of millions of dollars today) ...Read MoreDuring the great age of exploration, the "longitude problem" was the gravest of scientific challenges. Without the ability to determine longitude, sailors and their ships were lost at sea as soon as they lost sight of land. In 1714, desperate for a solution, England's Parliament offered 20,000 pounds (the equivalent of millions of dollars today) to anyone who could solve the problem. With all the skill and storytelling ability of a great novelist, Dava Sobel captures the dramatic story at the heart of this epic scientific quest.Read Less

Very good. Paperback. Has minor wear and/or markings. SKU: 9780802715296-3-0-3 Orders ship the same or next business day. Expedited shipping within U.S. will arrive in 3-5 days. Hassle free 14 day return policy. Contact Customer Service for questions. ISBN: 9780802715296.

Good. Paperback. May include moderately worn cover, writing, markings or slight discoloration. SKU: 9780802715296-4-0-3 Orders ship the same or next business day. Expedited shipping within U.S. will arrive in 3-5 days. Hassle free 14 day return policy. Contact Customer Service for questions. ISBN: 9780802715296.

Fair. A readable copy only. All pages and the cover are intact, may not include dust jacket. Pages may include considerable notes in pen or have highlighting. Possible ex library copy. May not contain accessories.

Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972. Used books may not include companion materials, some shelf wear, may contain highlighting/notes, and may not include cd-rom or access codes. Customer service is our top priority!

Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972. Used books may not include companion materials, some shelf wear, may contain highlighting/notes, and may not include cd-rom or access codes. Customer service is our top priority!

Customer Reviews

Amazing History!!!

I was just introduced to author Dava Sobel, and this is the first of her books that I have read. She populates a fascinating historical event with believable characters. A wonderful job.

egeezer

Aug 16, 2007

How it really happened....

This is an account of the development of a navigational tool we've all taken for grantedfor years. We all assume this capability has been around for centuries. No so, and thisauthor makes the inventor's story a real page-turner. This little gem should be required reading for everyone!!!

delmarva

Apr 20, 2007

An untold story of intrigue.

A quick scan of the cover does not begin to describe the contents of this little gem. On the surface, it appears to be just an another historical trek down science lane but once you begin reading Sobel's tale you realize she is spinning a very real story of intrigue.Just discovering the background of John Harrison alone makes you marvel at how he could had solved such a complex problem. Then add in the fact that the most learned astronomical thinkers of the time were in competition with him is where the intrigue of this tale begins.Sobel keeps the technical aspects of this story simple to read and understand and concentrates on the historical facts and the struggle Harrison waged to prove himself.

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